Quietish week

Well, it has been a mixed week of wonderful calm and great weather, upset by a large 5.7 which shook us up just as we stupidly thought it was quietening down. No problem here though but more headaches for rural communities. There is positive news. The whales, dolphins, seals and albatross seem unaffected by all the events and dolphin, penguin and seal young seem fine. This is fantastic. Residents are now being allowed through the inland road to Kaikoura with convoy of military vehicles, so my guess is that if the earth stays calm and weather not too wild, the road will be open to others. Cafes, shops, farmers markets, etc, also opening up. 

My neighbour visited a cafe in Cheviot, the epicentre of many quakes, and found people in good spirits despite losing so much trade. The owner apologised for the wait, explaining he was cooking on a bbq. Apparently food was amazing. 

As the 5.7 struck, I was sitting with friends and their 15 year old dog. No reaction from him, though Liz said he used to alert them to any quake over 4.0. Either he is now too old, or it has all got a bit boring for him! Nice story.

My garden currently looks as if disaster has struck!

 

I have had 7 trees removed to let in more light and unfortunately the tree cutter had forgotten he was busy till Tuesday and so took off leaving the lawn covered with branches. Luckily he is back to finish off tomorrow. Very nice guy but very laid back!

I was delighted to take delivery of my new spa on Friday. It is smaller than the last one but absolutely perfect. I love it. Please come and try it!

During the day it has the stunning view of my white roses and eventually my gorgeous garden and at night the southern skies full of stars.

 

Kerstin and I went in for the first time Saturday. Heavenly! No flash on ipad camera so not a great photo. We had a fabulous time.

 

It has been extremely windy for several days, with warm, strong norwesterly winds, like the Foehn in Switzerland. When this blows the planes fly very low over the house . You sometimes feel they will land in the garden. The airport is only about one kilometre away. Fortunately the norwest winds do not blow too often, usually in spring!

 

Have just ordered two more heatpumps to keep me and visitors warm in cooler times. We only had one before and it was chilly in much of the house. Should be great now.

Akso have a new pc. David was horrified to see my, what I thought was relatively new computer, was in fact 14 years old! Most things do not function any more, so David chose a good new one for me. Should keep me going till I am 80 😀

Still lots to do. Knees and shoulder coming right so hope for the tennis courts soon.

Big hugs from afar. Looking forward to dinner with Mark  and Emma , and David who is staying for the week. Fantastic to have them near again.